Film Review: "Shazam!" (2019).

"Just say the word" Shazam! This is the word for this superhero film directed by David F. Sandberg, written by Henry Gayden, based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is the seventh installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s case, by shouting out one word - this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam, courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart - Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

Since the early 2000s, development of a live-action Shazam film began ay New Line Cinema, but faced development hell for many years. Marking the first Shazam film since Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941). Various directors and writers were attached to the project at various points. In 2014, the film was officially announced with a July 2016 release date. In September, Darren Lemke was hired to pen the script. In January 2017, Henry Gayden was hired for rewrites. In February, Sandberg signed on to direct. In October, Zachary Levi was cast as the titular character after various actors were considered and had auditioned. Levi packed on 20 pounds of muscle for the role, putting his weight at 220 pounds. In November, Asher Angel was cast as Billy Batson. By late January 2018, Mark Strong, Jack Dylan Grazer, Faithe Herman, Meagan Good, Grace Fulton, Michelle Borth, Ian Chen, Ross Butler, Jovan Armand, D.J. Cotrona, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews, and Djimon Hounsou rounded out the cast. At the same time, principal photography began and wrapped in mid May, under the working title Franklin. Filming took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with most of the film shot at Pinewood Toronto Studios. The filmmakers primarily adapted elements from the New 52 origin story, as well as cited Big (1988) and Stranger Things (2016-19) as an influence on the film.

The film stars Angel and Levi in the title role, with Strong, Dylan Grazer, and Hounsou. The cast gave terrifically fun performances, especially that of Levi. Who was perfectly cast in the role. He completely sells you on the idea that he is a joyful kid at heart trapped inside a ripped, godlike body. Any poor choice would have ruined the film.

Shazam! deftly blends humor and gravitas, taking advantage of the perfectly cast Levi to craft a loving, fun and joyful to an underrated American superhero. The film is a pure delight, a wondrous combination of child-like adventure, heroes and villains, action and comedy. It is a wonderful, chuckling, preposterously exciting fantasy.

Simon says Shazam! receives:

Also, see my review for Annabelle: Creation and Aquaman.